Early Childhood Cost and Finance

AIR's early childhood cost and finance team supports states in making decisions about the true cost of high-quality early care and education, the systems that support it, and the revenue strategies needed to sustain it. We provide clear, evidence based cost information to support policy design, funding decisions, and long term system planning.

Our work includes cost studies and analyses related to child care subsidies, preschool models, and services for children from birth to age five with special needs.

Drawing on cross-state research and established cost estimation methods, we help states examine how policy choices, financing structures, and program requirements shape costs-and how those costs align with state goals for access, quality, and sustainability.

AIR conducts early childhood cost and finance research through close collaboration with federal, state, and local partners to ensure findings are both methodologically sound and policy relevant.

Our team works alongside other research organizations through national collaboratives and technical work groups to advance best practices in cost estimation and remain current on policy and methodologies.

We also engage with states, communities, and child care providers to collect accurate data and clearly communicate results. This approach ensures cost findings reflect local context and are accessible to decisionmakers and communities as they consider policy and funding changes.